Betel is the leaf of a climbing vine that belongs to the Piperaceae family. A member of the same family as black pepper, they both require a support tree to grow. The plant has many traditional medicinal uses; in Kerala people use the betel leaf to treat headaches, arthritis and joint pain, in China and Thailand the root of the plant is used for toothache.

Deeply rooted in Indian and other Southeast Asian cultures, betel leaf is chewed and used as part of many Hindu ceremonies and interactions. When mixed with other ingredients such as areca nut, spices, dried fruits or tobacco it is called pan or paan. Pan has great significance in weddings and other important functions as a mark of respect for the guests.